New Panthers defender named among NFL's most anticipated 2026 debuts

New Panthers defender Jaelan Phillips is already being positioned as a centerpiece for Carolina’s 2026 debut, with Week 1 set to test him immediately. Nine weeks before the opener, the Panthers host Caleb Williams, Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium to begin the season. Carolina’s offseason focus included spending in free agency to jumpstart a pass rush that had been dormant, and Phillips is the major x-factor after signing a four-year, $120 million contract in March. NFL.com’s Matt Okada named his first game among the league’s most anticipated debuts. Phillips’ challenge will come against a Bears offense that ranked sixth in total yardage and ninth in scoring in 2025. He will likely line up across from Chicago right tackle Darnell Wright, who graded strongly in run and pass blocking while earning 5.0 sacks, 14 quarterback hits and 73 pressures. The article notes Carolina hasn’t finished above league-average sacks since 2021.